Taken For Granted: What do you take for granted in the military?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:08:35 -0400

There are numerous benefits from military service, i.e. gyms, dining facility, people, education, time off, health, etc.

What's one thing (per response) you or someone you know may have taken for granted?

Note for clarity: To 'take for granted' = to expect something to be available all the time and forget that you are lucky to have it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 3:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:22:57 -0400

MSG,

I have to say education benefits like TA and free CLEP test just to name a few.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 3:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:28:02 -0400

Camaraderie: mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together. I was annoyed by the fact that I was never alone...until I was alone all the time.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 27 at 2014 3:31 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 15:31:37 -0400

30 days paid leave annually & infinite sick leave.

After 15 years at my civilian employer, I have just maxed out annual leave at 22.5 days per year.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 27 at 2014 5:42 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:42:30 -0400

Most definitely Travel and Health Care. Top of the line.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 5:53 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:53:16 -0400

At the moment? I think some might say getting to be/stay in the military at all.

Response by SSG Shawn M. made Apr 27 at 2014 6:46 PM

SSG Shawn M. — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 18:46:29 -0400

Training, the Military PAYS you to learn a skill/trade/craft whatever you want to call it. I love the fact that I get paid to go to the range and shoot and do high speed shit, anywhere else you would pay top dollar for this type of training.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 7:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:11:21 -0400

The fact that we get a pension at the end of twenty years. I am keeping an eye on this those based on the chatter over changing it again over the last few years. It is one that I may not be able to take for granted in the future.

Response by SSG William Sutter made Apr 28 at 2014 4:23 AM

SSG William Sutter — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 04:23:27 -0400

I take being in the Army for granted. I know that with this big draw down going on that my head is now on the chopping block. The Army has been cutting back for years and now they are moving to the SSGs. I need to get my head in the game and get myself squared away.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 10:23 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:23:03 -0400

Easily...medical care. I can go to the doctor pretty much whenever and get squared away. I look a friends who aren't military and have issues and are going broke because they've required care past what the insurance company will pay in a year. It does remind me to be greatful!

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 28 at 2014 6:36 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 18:36:48 -0400

Now that I am in a base unit with a bunch of civilians I would say the time off is one thing that I take for granted. Just being able to take care of a few things here and there during the work week without having to take leave or put in a request for special lib is great. Ince I retire next year I know that I will miss this the most.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 28 at 2014 6:59 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 06:59:45 -0400

Camaraderie.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2014 10:33 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 10:33:08 -0400

The 30 leave days earned in a year.